We have to stop them from hitting out: Johnson

Mumbai are set to take on state-rivals Pune is what is being touted as the Maharashtra Derby. Mitchell Johnson, who has been one of the front-line bowlers for the Ambani owned side in this season, said his team will try hard to prevent Pune from getting off to a quick start like they did in their match against Rajasthan.

"Look, you have got to find a way to stop them from hitting out, because anyone on a given day can go out there and blast runs very quickly, it's just how you cope with it," said Johnson in the pre-match press conference.

While mentioning that it is frustrating for a bowler when he is getting constantly hit, Johnson said the best way to go about things would be to slow the game down a touch.

"I guess for me it would be slowing down the game just a touch. As a bowler you can get a bit frustrated at times when the batsmen are after you and as a result, you start rushing back to your mark, wanting to bowl as quickly as possible."

"At such situations, you need to take a little bit longer to get back to your mark and think about your game a bit more. You've still got time in this game, you feel that you have to rush through everything, but you have to take your time, which works," added the Australian pacer.

Asked about the team composition for what will be their second home game of the season, Johnson said the best team for the situation will be picked.

"We are playing well and whatever team is picked will be the best team for the situation. Everyone is doing a good job so far, we have got two wins from the three matches and hopefully we can make it another win in our home ground."

Mumbai's last match at home, which was against Delhi, was a run-feast with the hosts scoring 209/5 and then restricting Delhi to 165/9. Johnson said the track was good for both the batsmen as well as the bowlers but added there is no room for error as a bowler.

"The Wankhede track is good for batting and good for bowling. If you missed your mark as a bowler, you can say you will get punished, but if you bowl at good areas, it is quite difficult to score. It will be interesting to see how the wicket will play tomorrow. The wicket played well last time around and hopefully we have yet another good wicket on offer."

Johnson, who has played all the three matches so far for Mumbai, said he's enjoying every moment of the Indian T20 League.

"I have enjoyed it so far. It has been very exciting, lot of fun, the crowds have been amazing. I came here the other night and was a bit nervous playing in front of such a big crowd that was cheering for you. The feeling is amazing and I am really enjoying it at the moment."

Asked how he felt playing under former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, Johnson, with a smile on his face, said having Ponting as skipper has helped him a lot.

"I guess having Ricky as captain again helps a lot. I have been under his captaincy for a brief period in my career and he knows me pretty well. He can pick up those little things quickly during a tough situation in such a fast game. I am enjoying having Ricky here; it has been good."

Johnson concluded by mentioning that the game would be dedicated to under privileged kids as a part of the "Education For All" initiative.

"We are dedicating this game to the under privileged kids as a part of the "Education For All" initiative. It's a programme that is very close to Ms Nita Ambani's heart and the team is fully supporting her and looking forward to playing for the kids."